Shakespeare in the Park Guide

The Public Theater presents Shakespeare in the Park

Since 1954, audiences have been enjoying Shakespeare in the Park at the Delacorte Theatre in Central Park. Nearly 1500 people attend each performance, and over 4 million have attended free Shakespeare in the Park performances since they began in 1954. Financing for Shakespeare in the Park is provided by The Public Theater and Summer Sponsors, who pay for a reserved seat (avoiding the wait in line) and make it possible for these productions to continue.

Tickets are required for all who want to attend Shakespeare in the Park and there are four different ways to get tickets:

They are distributed on the day of the performance at the Delacorte Theater beginning at 12 p.m. Lines form early, so check out our tips for getting tickets!

There are also Shakespeare in the Park tickets available online. You'll need to register for your account to enter the lottery. The lottery is open from midnight until noon on the day of each performance. You'll be notified after noon if you've received tickets, and you can pick them up at the theater in Central Park from 5-7 p.m. (Tickets not picked up by 7 will be released to the standby line.)

There are also select dates when ticket vouchers are available in the boroughs. Like the virtual lottery, ticket holders must pick up their tickets at will call between 5 and 7 p.m. or they will be released to people waiting for standby tickets.

There is a lottery for ticket distribution at Astor Place. The lottery opens at 11:30 a.m. and names are drawn at noon at The Public Theater, 425 Lafayette Street at Astor Place. Again, these vouchers must be exchanged for tickets at the will call window at the Delacorte Theater between 5 & 7 p.m.

Shakespeare in the Park Performances take place at 8:30 p.m. Tickets are available on a first-come first-served basis on the day of the performance. Don't miss our Tips for Waiting for Shakepeare in the Park Tickets if you're planning to get in line for tickets. You can also become a Summer Sponsor to avoid the wait in line.